Full Breakdown
U.S. Backs Virtus Minerals' Congo Copper and Cobalt Projects to Counter Chinese Dominance
6/24/2026, 7:55:09 AM
U.S.-Backed Mining Initiative in the DRC
The Trump administration has backed Virtus Minerals to develop two copper-cobalt mines—Étoile near Lubumbashi and Mutoshi near Kolwezi—in DRC. The move follows Washington Accord, a pact to curb Chinese control of minerals; China supplies 80 % of global cobalt, much from DRC. Virtus, holding 56 licences, will partner with Chemaf under CEO Phillip Braun. A State Department spokesperson reaffirmed U.S. support for companies in DRC, while Frans Cronje of Yorktown Foundation for Freedom called the projects a sign of a more assertive U.S. approach to Africa’s mineral base.
Production Targets and Logistics
The two sites are projected to produce 75,000 tonnes of copper and 20,000 tonnes of cobalt once operational. Virtus will ship the output via the Lobito rail corridor, linking the DRC to Angola’s Atlantic port, backed by a U.S. $5 billion investment. Processing plants under construction should start next year, creating a “secure, auditable” supply chain for United States and allies.
Official Statements Summary
President Trump called the initiative a milestone for Africa. The State Department spokesperson noted job creation and skills development for workers. Virtus executives said the DRC partnership will speed production and enable exploration of its 56 mining permits. Cronje said the projects signal a more assertive U.S. effort to compete with China for Africa’s critical mineral base.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The DRC government did not respond to requests for comment, and no independent verification of the projected output or timeline has been reported, leaving a gap in external assessment of feasibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A great day for Africa, a great day for the world,” — President Donald Trump
- “From there, we will explore everything Chemaf's 56 mining permits have to offer — copper, cobalt and other metals like tungsten.” — Phillip Braun, CEO, Virtus Minerals
Upcoming Steps
Virtus expects processing plants to be operational within a year, after which copper and cobalt shipments will begin via the Lobito Corridor. The U.S. investment in the rail link is intended to support DRC exports. Monitoring of production milestones and regional security, including M23 rebel activity, will affect the initiative’s longer-term impact.
